Facelifted 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA touches down

The upgraded 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA line-up has arrived in local showrooms priced from $68,900 plus on-road costs, but without its fearsome AMG 45 S flagship.

That new opening price for the facelifted small luxury SUV range is $5700 higher than the outgoing model’s and, as before, applies to the entry-level GLA 200.

The mid-range GLA 250 4MATIC has increased in price by a more reasonable $2859, to $78,900 plus ORCs, whereas the high-end AMG GLA 35 4MATIC now starts from $96,900 (+$631).

As with the rest of its recently renewed or updated models, Mercedes-Benz has consolidated the standard equipment list and reduced the number of options for every variant to make the purchasing process easier and more streamlined.

Every facelifted GLA variant now comes with a panoramic sunroof, metallic paintwork, electrically-adjustable front seats with memory function, keyless go, active cruise control, 360-degree camera, dual-zone climate control and rear air-vents.

Building on the extra gear is a new 48-volt mild-hybrid system for the turbo-petrol engines that can temporarily provide an extra 10KW of power during hard acceleration, however, the periodic boost isn’t reflected in the official outputs of any of the upgraded engines.

As a result, the 1.3-litre GLA 200 continues with 120kW/270Nm outputs, the 2.0-litre GLA 250 with 165kW/350Nm and the AMG-fettled GLA 35 with 225kW/400Nm.

The latter two feature all-wheel drive and an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission as standard, whereas the base model is front-drive only and uses a seven-speed DCT auto.

Opt for $3770 Plus Package on the GLA 200 or GLA 250 and customers will nab the Driving Assistance Package, augmented reality sat-nav, a Burmester surround sound system, illuminated door sills, a head-up display, multibeam LED headlights, MBUX interior assist and surround projection of the brand logo.

All of these goodies are already included in the GLA 35, which leaves the $3500 Aerodynamics Package as the only optional extra, comprising an AMG rear spoiler, larger front splitter with additional flics and a high-gloss black rear diffuser blade.

The 2023 models can be identified by their new AMG Line bumpers and modernised lighting signatures, with the AMG variant being easier to spot on account of its more purposeful body kit, front fascia and rear apron.

Anyone wondering about the flagship Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S 4MATIC+ hyper-hatch need not despair; the sports car-slaying performance flagship of the updated GLA range will arrive Down Under next year, seeing as it was only revealed last month whereas the core variants debuted in Europe in March.

Join the conversation at 

our Facebook page

Or email us at 

editor@carsales.com.au